Flying Colors

Flying Colors

Year: 2015

Runtime: 117 mins

Language: Japanese

Director: Nobuhiro Doi

DramaComedy

A high school student, Sayaka Kudō, initially struggled academically and was at the bottom of her class. Through dedication and hard work, she dramatically improved her academic performance, raising her deviation value from 30 to 70. This impressive turnaround allowed her to achieve a remarkable feat: gaining admission to Keio University, a highly competitive institution in Japan known for its rigorous entrance requirements.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Flying Colors (2015)

Trace every key event in Flying Colors (2015) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Cigarette incident and suspension

Sayaka is a rebellious second-year high school student who blends a gyaru style with a carefree attitude. She attends a private all-girls high school and lands in trouble when she is caught carrying cigarettes, resulting in suspension. This incident underscores her neglect of study and sets the stage for a life-changing intervention.

Early in high school Private all-girls high school
2

Family pressure and Ryuta's baseball dream

Her father belittles her, calling her an air-head and implying the family is being scammed by cram schools. He also pushes Sayaka's younger brother Ryuta toward professional baseball, despite Ryuta's reluctance. The family dynamics add pressure that fuels Sayaka's desire to prove herself.

From the start of the story Family home
3

Harsh judgment from a high school teacher

A harsh high school teacher looks down on Sayaka and predicts she will fail. His low expectations only harden her resolve to defy the label. The external doubt becomes a motivating force for her personal reform.

Early in high school High school classroom
4

Mother enrolls Sayaka in Seiho Cram School

To salvage her university prospects, Sayaka's mother enrolls her in Seiho Cram School. The cram school becomes the battleground where her academic future will be forged. A dedicated tutor, Yoshitaka Tsubota, steps into the role of mentor.

Right after suspension Seiho Cram School
5

Tutor Yoshitaka Tsubota vows to help her enter Keio and get back at father

Yoshitaka Tsubota treats Sayaka's case as a personal mission. He aims to secure her admission to Keio University, a prestigious goal that would vindicate her efforts. He also intends to get back at her father by proving the doubters wrong.

Early cram school period Seiho Cram School
6

Decision to study seriously during summer

During the summer holidays of her second year, Sayaka decides to study hard for the Keio entrance exam. She sacrifices social life and even dates with friends to focus on prep. She begins a transformation that blends discipline with a renewed sense of purpose.

Summer holidays of second year Home and Seiho Cram School
7

Appearance signals transformation

She dyes her hair back to black and cuts it, signaling a fresh start. Sleepless nights of studying follow as she commits to long, grueling sessions. The outward change mirrors the inner resolve taking hold.

During summer Home
8

Initial academic improvement

Practice tests start to show improvement as her study becomes more consistent. Her academic deviation value climbs from 30 toward much higher marks, reflecting growing competence. The progress fuels her determination to keep pushing toward Keio.

Summer to early third year Seiho Cram School and study sessions
9

Perseverance through hardship with family support

She faces numerous hardships and nearly gives up, but her family and tutor rally around her. Their support reinforces her resolve to continue despite exhaustion. The long journey continues toward the final goal.

Late in journey Home and cram school
10

Keio University admission

In the culmination of her effort, Sayaka is admitted to Keio University. The achievement marks a victory over past self-doubt and skepticism from others. It signals the moment her dreams become tangible.

End of third year Keio University
11

Ending montage

The film closes with a comedic montage of the various characters singing or dancing to the ending song. The upbeat finale leaves viewers with a sense of communal triumph and lighthearted closure. It wraps up the story with a celebratory mood.

Ending Ending sequence

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 16:04

Unlock the Full Story of Flying Colors

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Flying Colors Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Flying Colors, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Flying Colors Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Flying Colors

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Flying Colors

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Flying Colors Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Flying Colors

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